OnlineRME search by parcel reinstated

We worked with OnlineRME (ORME) to update the Pierce County search options. You can once again search by parcel number or address when logged into your ORME account. The keyword search was also adjusted to help you search by Community System names.

Permitting updates

Avoid fee for duplicate applications in Accela

Avoid a $60 fee. Before you submit an application in Accela, search for any existing, active applications.   Let us know right away if you submit a duplicate application by mistake, so we can issue a refund.

• For Septic Designs: If Health Department staff have started our review or visited the site, we will not give a full refund. If the work is complete, we will not issue a refund.
• For Report of System Status (RSS): Please coordinate submittals with the property owner, O&M company, and realtors. If you submit a second RSS application and we have completed the work, we will not issue a refund.

Asbuilt cover sheet

We removed the professional stamp box on the Asbuilt Application cover page:

• WAC 196-33-500 only requires a designer stamp on the as-built record drawing site plan(s).
• Staff will not hold asbuilt application for a designer stamp.
• The requirement in WAC 196-33-500 for stamp usage has changed. Expiration date is no longer required. The new requirement is, seal/stamp must include the licensee's signature and date of sealing.

We update forms annually with a revision date at the bottom. If you saved forms previously, please download the most recent forms from our website.

Peninsula Septic Designs closed

Peninsula Septic Designs has closed for business. Shaun Freeman, Septic Designs LLC, has access to most of its design files. If you have taken over a project and need copies of the info, contact Shaun at shaunfreeman@aol.com or (360) 731-8822.

Change of Designer - Taking over a previous designer’s approved septic design drawing

A new designer can take over an approved design drawing from a previous designer without sealing the plan with their own stamp on the original design drawings. This is allowed with limited scope:

1. The design can’t be modified by the new designer.
2. To allow release of the permit to an installer and manage the construction.
3. To complete the record drawing.
4. New designer must inspect the site and certify it and the design still meets all state and local regulations for onsite sewage disposal.

Designs that were not approved, but the design needs no edits to the submitted design may also qualify. The design can only be on hold for items required for the application but not part of the septic design. Such items include but are not limited to, water letter, individual well completion or critical area sign off.

To assume responsibility:

1. New designer submits a Change of Designer Form.
2. The Department stamps the design drawings with a change of designer stamp that lists the new designer of record and includes the Change of Designer Form with the approved site plan.
3. For record drawing submittals, the new designer of record creates their own as-built record drawing.

For renewals, new design drawings are required.

New design must be sealed and dated by the designer.  It is not acceptable to submit the previous design drawing for the renewal application.

Report of System Status (RSS) updates

Submit RSSs early

Submit RSS applications as soon as you are under contract to do the property sale inspection and then submit your RSS inspection report. This puts the RSS in the queue to process. Don’t wait for related applications (e.g. a tank repair application) to be approved to submit the RSS application. You can submit applications at the same time, and we will process them separately.

RSSs for mobile home parks

Mobile Home Parks (MHP) with multiple septic systems now require an RSS for each septic system.

• If you need to submit an RSS application for a mobile home park with multiple systems, email RSS@tpchd.org.
• We are creating a new application for MHP where you will not have to pay the fees upfront. We will invoice you after RSS application submission. One RSS costs the full fee ($460 for 2026), all others for the property cost the reduced fee ($240 for 2026).

See our updated Report of System Status Guidance for parcels with multiple systems and community system connections’ on our website.

Operation and Maintenance

You’re invited to our O&M Certified Professionals workshop! Join online or in-person.

Wednesday April 15, 2026.

8 –11 a.m. (Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for check-in).

Health Department Auditorium, 3629 S. D St., Tacoma.

Let us know if you will attend in-person or online. Each person who plans to attend must register separately. Register today to expand your knowledge, make valuable connections, and earn CEU credits. 

Questions? Contact Amy Pearl at apearl@tpchd.org or (253) 625-1362.

Introduction to O&M

We now send letters to new property owners 3 months after a property sells, and we issue an RSS. This letter:

• Informs the new owner they have a septic system.
• Explains the inspection frequency for their system.
• Provides guidance on where to find resources.
• Informs them of their next inspection date.

Find additional info and resources online:

• Record drawing/asbuilt of your septic system: edocs.tpchd.org.
• Septic inspection and pumping reports: OnlineRME.com/tpchd.
• Financial assistance you may be eligible for: tpchd.org/septiccare.
• Septic service companies: tpchd.org/septiccare.

For info or questions, contact us at (253) 649-1421 or OMseptic@tpchd.org.

Certified Professionals updates

The new certification period started March 15, 2026. Check our website for updated lists:

• Licensed Designers and Professional Engineers. We list only designers and professional engineers who paid to be on the list.
• Certified O&M Firms, Septic Service Companies. Septic service companies that have not recertified are not approved to work in Pierce County. If your company is missing any systems you are licensed to work on, provide us proof of certification. Remember, Labor & Industry and liability insurance must always be current to have an active certification.

 You can view 2026 applications on our website.

Questions or updates? Email oscp@tpchd.org.

Accela updates

We continue work to streamline Accela for all users. We’ve implemented several changes since we went live in July 2025.

• You can easily search for restaurant inspections and ratings.
• We delete temporary applications from the ACA portal after 30 days.
• Application status emails now include the application number and address for easy identification.
• We updated older on-sites sewage application statuses from “Closed” to provide more info (i.e. Asbuilt Approved).
• Receipts now include site address and itemized charges.
• Accela can now update property owner info, and inactivate the old owner, on records.
• This increases accuracy and saves staff time, allowing them to focus on other important work.
• Accela is updating ACA (Accela’s customer access portal). This large effort will be done in phases. We will provide input based on info shared by users, staff, and many of you.
  • Phase I—Look for updates to the home page soon to make it easier to create accounts and navigate to find records and info.
  • Existing accounts will be seamlessly updated so you can access all your current applications with ease.

Questions or ideas for Accela? Use the HELP button in ACA (top right corner) to contact us. Go to the bottom of the page to send us an email with problems, questions, or ideas.